The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, marked by their dominance in the 1990s and consistent success through the years. However, as the team looks toward the future, particularly in terms of its quarterback position, there is increasing speculation about the team’s approach to building depth behind current starter Dak Prescott. While Prescott remains firmly entrenched as the team’s leader, the idea of adding a young quarterback to the roster has become a growing preference for the Cowboys, with the goal of ensuring long-term stability and preparing for the future.
Dak Prescott’s Importance to the Cowboys
Before diving into why the Cowboys might seek a young quarterback, it is important to first examine Dak Prescott’s current standing with the team. Prescott, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has become the face of the franchise. Over the years, he has developed into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and leading the team to playoff appearances.
However, Prescott’s tenure with the Cowboys has not been without its challenges. Injuries have occasionally sidelined him, with the most significant being a gruesome ankle injury that ended his 2020 season. His recovery from that injury and subsequent return to the field demonstrated his resilience, but it also highlighted the potential vulnerability of the Cowboys’ quarterback position.
Prescott is also entering the back half of his career, with his contract extension signed in 2021 offering a clear window of competitive opportunity. While he still has a few good years ahead, the Cowboys’ front office would be wise to consider the long-term health of the quarterback position, especially given that NFL quarterbacks, even those with Prescott’s skill, have a tendency to face significant wear and tear as they age.
Why Build Depth Behind Dak Prescott?
Given Prescott’s importance to the Cowboys, it may seem counterintuitive to focus on building depth behind him. However, there are several reasons why the team might prioritize adding a young quarterback to the roster. The NFL is a highly competitive league, and the quarterback position is arguably the most critical for a team’s success. As teams around the league continue to build with a long-term vision, the Cowboys need to ensure that they have the necessary depth to navigate any unexpected injuries, declines in performance, or even the eventual transition away from Prescott when the time comes.
- Injury Insurance and Stability
Quarterback injuries have become an unfortunate reality in the NFL. Even the best quarterbacks are not immune to injury, and while Prescott’s recovery from his 2020 ankle injury was impressive, the possibility of another significant injury still looms large. A young, talented backup could help mitigate the risks associated with Prescott’s injuries and keep the team competitive if he were to miss time again. Additionally, injuries to backup quarterbacks are common, which makes having a reliable, young player with potential even more critical.
Backup quarterbacks are often a key factor in playoff runs, and the Cowboys cannot afford to wait for a disaster to happen before they address this position. A young quarterback can provide a longer-term safety net, allowing the Cowboys to avoid the need for desperate trade acquisitions or relying on aging veterans should Prescott face another injury setback.
- Succession Planning
As mentioned earlier, Dak Prescott’s window of elite play is finite. While he is in his prime, the Cowboys must begin thinking about what will happen when he eventually transitions out of the starting role—whether that is due to injury, age, or other factors. The team would be wise to start preparing for this eventuality by developing a young quarterback who can be molded into a future starter.
Building a quarterback pipeline is no easy task. While it’s tempting to find a proven veteran to replace an aging starter, this strategy often fails. Instead, developing a young quarterback through the draft or by signing a developmental prospect can offer the best results. If the Cowboys can bring in a young quarterback who shows promise, they could potentially have the next franchise quarterback ready when the time comes to move on from Prescott.
- Competition and Motivation for Prescott
While Prescott is currently the unquestioned leader of the Cowboys, internal competition can only help to elevate the overall play at the quarterback position. Bringing in a young, hungry quarterback could provide healthy competition and motivate Prescott to continue to elevate his game. The presence of another talented quarterback in the room could help push Prescott to refine his skills, work harder, and maintain a competitive edge.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ front office and coaching staff might want to evaluate how a young quarterback would fit into their system and how they could continue to build around Prescott. If the right player is developed and shows enough promise, the Cowboys may even be in a position where they can have an efficient quarterback room with multiple options in the future.
- NFL Draft and Development Opportunities
In a draft-heavy league, the NFL is filled with talented young quarterbacks that might not be immediate starters but offer significant upside over time. The Cowboys may be able to take advantage of this pool by finding a quarterback in the middle rounds who possesses raw talent and significant development potential.
Investing in the development of a young quarterback allows the Cowboys to build long-term depth without having to overspend on a veteran option. With the right coaching and time, these quarterbacks could evolve into reliable options behind Prescott, potentially even pushing for the starting role in a few years. The Cowboys have been able to develop key players in other areas through the draft, and the quarterback position should be no different.
Potential Options for the Cowboys
Given that the Cowboys’ front office has a solid track record of selecting talented players in the draft, they may consider targeting a young quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team could look for a quarterback with a high ceiling but with the potential to develop behind Prescott for a year or two before taking over.
Some potential targets might include:
- Quarterbacks in the Middle Rounds: The Cowboys may not need to spend a first- or second-round pick on a quarterback, but instead, look for a player with great upside in the third or fourth round. Players in this range may have great tools but require time to develop. These quarterbacks often fly under the radar but can be great developmental prospects who contribute later on.
- Undrafted Free Agents or Late-Round Picks: Another strategy for the Cowboys is to scout undrafted quarterbacks or those available in the late rounds. Many teams have found success in this area by giving developmental quarterbacks a chance to compete for the backup spot. For example, quarterbacks like Dak Prescott himself were drafted later than expected, proving that the right talent can emerge from anywhere.
- Veteran Free Agents Who Can Mentor a Young QB: While the goal would be to find a young quarterback, the Cowboys may also consider signing a veteran who can mentor a younger quarterback while still being able to step in and play if needed. Such a quarterback wouldn’t necessarily be a long-term solution but would provide a solid bridge between Prescott’s era and the next.
The Challenges Ahead
While the idea of developing a young quarterback behind Prescott is appealing, there are challenges that come with it. The Cowboys would need to balance the development of a young quarterback with their immediate need for playoff success. If they were to draft a quarterback early, it would take away from valuable resources that could be used to upgrade other areas, such as the defense, offensive line, or receiving corps.
Moreover, quarterback development requires patience. The Cowboys would need to provide a steady and consistent system to help nurture their young quarterback and avoid the temptation to rush him into action. The team would also need to be prepared for the possibility that not every quarterback they bring in will pan out, and the process of finding the right fit can be a lengthy one.
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